- By Caroline Callahan Janson

Lithe: thin, supple, graceful. We’re pretty sure these synonyms are aspirational for all of us, which is why we couldn’t wait to hit the world tour of the Philadelphia-based studio by the same name. Founded in 2005 by Lauren Boggi, Lithe Method relies on an innovative and fun approach to fitness that Boggi calls Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting. (All rights reserved on that one!) Boggi, a former USC cheerleader, dancer, and Pilates instructor came up with the idea to combine cheerleader-inspired routines with fitness instruction that works every muscle of your body, small and large, resulting in a long, lean, and fit physique that is hard to achieve with many other regimens. And that are a lot more fun!

Owner: Lauren Boggi 

Classes Offered: Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting

Why You Should Check It Out: Because you’re tired of being bored in class, or CrossFit wore you down, or because you just feel like injecting your workout regimen with some good-energy fun!

Where’s the World Tour? Lithe just hit New York, but there are other cities on the horizon: Miami, LA, and even Shanghai. 

What is Cardio Cheer Sculpting? Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting is the method that Boggi developed after years as a cheerleader, dancer and Pilates instructor. The method has developed a cult following in Philadelphia whose fiercely loyal clients say it transforms their bodies like nothing else – and, fast – many testify that they see results after just three sessions!

Know Before You Go: You’re likely to love this workout even if you never had any interest in cheerleading (or cheerleaders) in high school. The energy here is infectious. 

Advice for first­-timers: Don’t sweat the dance moves! There is a lot of foot (and arm) work in this class. But for your first class just follow the instructor and try to keep up -- this is a friendly, positive-energy class that attracts friendly, positive people. Just revel in the fact that you are burning major calories!

Don’t Miss: Two things: Lithe Foods cold-pressed juices (delicious), and Lauren’s inspiring blog, Fithiphealthy. 

The Philosophy: We’ve fallen in love with what’s known by Lithers as “The Fight Song,” which is essentially the mission statement of Lithe that we think you should know, too: